Bitkom: Large majority want digital technology, software and services from Europe

93% consider Germany to be dependent on other countries when it comes to digital technologies. 79% call for Germany to invest more in key digital technologies. And almost all (99%) think it is important for Germany to become more independent in digital technologies overall. 1,004 people in Germany aged 16 and over were surveyed.

“People in Germany want Europe to become more independent when it comes to digital technologies. This requires more investment and less regulation. More investment in key digital technologies by companies and a reduction in excessive regulation by politicians in Berlin and Brussels,” says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. “Critical technologies that do not come from Germany or Europe must definitely meet our requirements for security and sovereignty in practical application. It is also clear that we need cooperation with international tech companies on an equal footing; digital sovereignty cannot be achieved on our own. Investment, moderate regulation and strategic partnerships will create more digital sovereignty.”

A third of people in Germany (34%) have already consciously opted for a digital service or a digital device from Europe. A further 27% have at least given it some thought. 34% say that they have not yet thought about it. At the same time, consumers are seen as having a responsibility: 87% believe that people must also adapt if Germany is to become more digitally independent. 62% also believe that short-term disadvantages should be accepted if this would make Germany more independent in terms of digitalization. At the same time, however, it is also clear where things often get stuck in practice: 55% believe that switching to European providers is often too time-consuming.

Only in some areas have European applications and technologies already arrived in people’s everyday lives. The survey provides an initial indication of where consumers currently use European services: 14% say they already use European social networks, 13% a European search engine or a European browser and 11% a European messenger. 6% rely on European AI applications or chatbots and 5% on smartphones from European providers. Wintergerst: “The interest in European offerings is there. Europe must not only develop digital technologies, but also scale them up more quickly and bring them into widespread use. This requires innovation-friendly regulation, more growth capital and public procurement that also gives young companies a real chance.” 

Note on methodology

The data is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. This involved a telephone survey of 1,004 people in Germany aged 16 and over. The survey took place in the period from week 9 to week 12 2026. The survey is representative. The questions were: “In your opinion, how dependent is Germany on other countries when it comes to importing such technologies?”, “How important do you think it is for Germany to become less dependent on other countries for digital technologies?”, “Have you ever consciously opted for a digital service or a digital device from Europe instead of a device or service that does not originate from Europe?”, “For which of the following digital devices or services do you use or can you imagine using a European provider?” and “Which of the following statements apply to you or in your opinion?”

This press release has been automatically translated. 

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